Connection configuration

ABSTRACT

A connection method is provided. The method includes retrieving by a data retrieval device, unique data comprising an identifier associated with a wireless device. The unique data is transmitted to a router transmitting an authorization request and a configuration request for a configuration change to an authorization service. The authorization request is presented to a user and in response the user transmits an authorization code to the authorization service. In response, the router generates a virtual SSID and preconfigured firewall rules based on the unique data and the wireless device is automatically connected to the router based on the virtual SSID and the preconfigured firewall rules.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a method for automaticallyconnecting a device to a router, and in particular to a method andassociated system for generating a virtual Wi-Fi network forautomatically connecting a device to a router

BACKGROUND

Connecting devices typically includes an inaccurate process with littleflexibility. Configuring connections may include a complicated processthat may be time consuming and require a large amount of resources.Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome at least some ofthe deficiencies and limitations described herein above.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a method comprising:retrieving, by a computer processor of a data retrieval device from awireless device, unique data comprising an identifier associated withthe wireless device; transmitting, by the computer processor, the uniquedata to a wireless router, wherein the wireless router transmits anauthorization request and a configuration request for a configurationchange to an authorization service; receiving, by the computer processorfrom the authorization service, an authorization request; presenting, bythe computer processor to a user, the authorization request; receiving,by the computer processor from the user in response to the authorizationrequest, an authorization code; and transmitting, by the computerprocessor to the authorization service, the authorization code, whereinthe authorization service transmits an authorization approval, based onthe authorization code, to the wireless router, wherein the wirelessrouter generates a virtual SSID and preconfigured firewall rules basedon the unique data, wherein the virtual SSID and the preconfiguredfirewall rules are only associated with the wireless router and thewireless device, and wherein the wireless device is automaticallyconnected to the wireless router based on the virtual SSID and thepreconfigured firewall rules.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method comprising:retrieving, by a computer processor of a data retrieval device from arewritable/scannable tag integrated with a wireless device, unique datacomprising an identifier associated with the wireless device;transmitting, by the computer processor, an authorization request to awireless router; transmitting, by the computer processor, the uniquedata to a wireless router, wherein the wireless router determines thatthe wireless device is authorized for connection to the wireless routerbased on the authorization request and the unique data;

transmitting, by the computer processor to the wireless router, aconnection command, wherein the wireless router generates a virtualwireless network comprising a virtual SSID and preconfigured firewallrules based on the unique data and in response to the connectioncommand, wherein the virtual wireless network, the virtual SSID, and thepreconfigured firewall rules are only associated with the wirelessrouter and the wireless device, and wherein the wireless device isautomatically connected to the wireless router via the virtual wirelessnetwork based on the virtual SSID and the preconfigured firewall rules.

A third aspect of the invention provides a computer program product forconfiguring a connection, the computer program product comprising: oneor more computer-readable, tangible storage devices; programinstructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices,to retrieve by a computer processor of a data retrieval device from awireless device, unique data comprising an identifier associated withthe wireless device; program instructions, stored on at least one of theone or more storage devices, to transmit the unique data to a wirelessrouter, wherein the wireless router transmits an authorization requestand a configuration request for a configuration change to anauthorization service; program instructions, stored on at least one ofthe one or more storage devices, to receive from the authorizationservice, an authorization request; program instructions, stored on atleast one of the one or more storage devices, to present theauthorization request to a user; program instructions, stored on atleast one of the one or more storage devices, to receive anauthorization code from the user in response to the authorizationrequest; and program instructions, stored on at least one of the one ormore storage devices, to transmit the authorization code to theauthorization service, wherein the authorization service transmits anauthorization approval, based on the authorization code, to the wirelessrouter, wherein the wireless router generates a virtual SSID andpreconfigured firewall rules based on the unique data, wherein thevirtual SSID and the preconfigured firewall rules are only associatedwith the wireless router and the wireless device, and wherein thewireless device is automatically connected to the wireless router basedon the virtual SSID and the preconfigured firewall rules.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method andassociated system capable of connecting devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system enabling an automatic configuration andconnection of a wireless device to a wireless router, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 enabling an authorization service to provide anautomatic connection of a wireless device to a wireless router, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled by thesystem of FIG. 1 enabling a data retrieval device to provide anautomatic connection of a wireless device to a wireless router, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a computer apparatus used by the system of FIG. 1 forenabling an automatic configuration and connection of a wireless deviceto a wireless router, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for enabling an automatic configurationand connection of a wireless connection device 11 to a wireless router15, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The aboveand other features of the present invention will become more distinct bya detailed description of embodiments shown in combination with attacheddrawings. Identical reference numbers represent the same or similarparts in the attached drawings of the invention.

Aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.”

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

System 100 enables a wireless (e.g., WIFI) router 15 to collect (e.g.,from a scanning RFID tag, a QR code, a bar code etc.) specific securityrelated configuration data (e.g., firewall rules, network workgroupnames, etc.) from a wireless collection device 11 and authorize arequest to configure a secure connection to the router via anotification and response system that interacts with a user 17.Additionally, system 100 may collect (e.g., from a scanning RFID tag, aQR code, a bar code etc.) device information (associated with thewireless connection device 11) comprising a unique identifier (e.g., aservice set identifier (SSID)), product information (e.g., a serialnumber), a pre-shared key, firewall rules and other device-specificsecurity configuration data, etc. Firewall rules may be pre-configuredby a vendor based on IP addresses of command and control (CNC) serverson the Internet and enabled ports allowing a wireless device (a wirelessconnectable toy such as a teddy bear) to communicate with the CNCservers as well as required ports on an associated firewall within auser′ wireless router used by the CNC servers to connect to the wirelessdevice. For example, if a vendor has a CNC server at 1.2.3.4 and anopened port 4321 for a WIFI enabled teddy bears to access and the vendordecides to communicate with the WIFI teddy bear on port 9876, then afirewall rule configuration would specify: Allow Outbound to 1.2.3.4through port 4321 and allow Inbound from 1.2.3.4 through port 9876.Example of device-specific security configuration data may includeauthorization credentials to a CNC server (e.g., a token or key or aunique identifier for the CNC server) to identify a wireless device.

In response to system 100 collecting device information, wireless router15 generates a new and completely restricted virtual network 19 usingthe unique identifier as a unique non-broadcasting SSID (i.e., knownonly to router 15 and the wireless connection device 11) therebyallowing access to the restricted virtual network based on collectedfirewall rules and other device-specific security configuration data.Access or changes in security configuration to the restricted virtualnetwork may be authenticated by a router providing a notificationservice (e.g., a PIN via email) to user 17 of wireless connection device11. Alternatively, wireless router 15 may remove the restricted virtualnetwork in response to detecting a disconnect or timeout command withrespect to a wireless connection to the restricted virtual network.Additionally, system 100 enables wireless connection device 11 togenerate a new SSID and overwrites an existing SSID in the RFID, QRcode, or bar code in response to disconnecting from the restrictedvirtual network.

System 100 of FIG. 1 includes a wireless router 15 communicativelyconnected to a wireless connection device 11 (including a scannable tag25), a data retrieval device 22, and a network 7. System 100additionally comprises a user device 21 and an authorization andnotification service 8 connected to network 7. Wireless router 15enables a connection between network 7 and wireless connection device 11and data retrieval device 22. Network 7 may include any type of networkincluding, inter alia, a local area network, (LAN), a wide area network(WAN), the Internet, a wireless network, etc. Wireless connection device11 may include any type of wireless connectable device including, interalia, a computer, a tablet computer, a wireless connectable toy, etc.Scannable tag 25 may be integrated with wireless connection device 11.For example, scannable tag 25 may be mounted to or within any portion ofwireless connection device 11. Scannable tag 25 may include any type ofscannable tag that includes information. For example, scannable tag mayinclude an RFID tag, a quick response (QR) code tag, a bar code tag,etc. Data retrieval device 22 may comprise, inter alia, an RFID readingwand, a smartphone, a barcode scanner, any type of device for scanningscan scannable tags, etc. User device 21 may comprise, inter alia, asmartphone, a computer, etc. Alternatively, data retrieval device 22 anduser device 21 may comprise a same device. Authorization andnotification service 8 may comprise a notification and response systemthat includes a cloud service tied to a smart phone, email account,router 15 via SMS, etc.

System 100 of FIG. 1 a method for configuring wireless connection device11 automatically connect to a dynamically generated virtual WIFI network19 (via router 15) broadcasting a unique SSID that restricted to only torouter 15 and wireless connection device 11. Additionally, system 100enables a method for authorizing a specific firewall rule forimplementation in a completely locked down gateway (i.e., to increasesecurity on virtual network 19). Authorizing a specific firewall rulemay additionally be used to authorize access to a local workgroup tobridge virtual network 19 with a primary network (e.g., network 17).Furthermore, system 100 enables a disconnect function or timeoutfunction to prompt wireless connection device 11 to generate a new SSIDfor subsequent use.

System 100 enables a process for generating an automatic configurationconnection of wireless connection device 11 to wireless router 15 asfollows:

1. A user scans scannable tag 25 using data retrieval device 22.

2. Data retrieval device 22 retrieves a unique id, product information,a pre-shared key, a firewall rule, etc. from scannable tag 25.

3. Data retrieval device 22 transmits the retrieved (i.e., from step 2)information to wireless router 15 and it is determined if the dataretrieval device is authorized for connection. If data retrieval device22 is authorized for connection then step 8 is executed as described,infra. If data retrieval device 22 is not authorized for connection thensteps 4-10 are executed as described, infra.4. Router 15 transmits an authorization request to authorization andnotification service 8. The authorization request comprises a requestedconfiguration change.5. User device 21 receives a notification requesting authorization inresponse to the authorization request.6. User 17 inputs a response and personal ID into user device 21.7. Authorization and notification service 8 transmits a response torouter 15.8. Router 15 generates a virtual SSID with preconfigured firewall rules.10. Wireless connection device 11 automatically connects to router 15and remains connected and active until a disconnect command resulting inwireless connection device 11 disconnecting from router 15 and acomplete teardown of all configuration information if wirelessconnection device 11 is determined to comprise a transient device.

The following implementation example illustrates a connection process(enabled by system 100) for automatically connecting a wireless Internetconnectable child's toy (e.g., wireless connection device 11) to arouter (e.g., router 15) via a virtual private network (e.g., virtualnetwork 19). A user (e.g., user 17) purchases a wireless connectiondevice (e.g., a stuffed connectable bear) without batteries. The userbrings the wireless connection device home and waves a data retrievalwand over the wireless connection device and in response the dataretrieval wand retrieves (from a scannable tag 25 on the wirelessconnection device) information including a unique identifier (i.e., tobe used as virtual, non-broadcasting SSID), product informationassociated with the wireless connection device (e.g., product name,description, etc.), a pre-shared key, and a firewall rule. The retrievedinformation is transmitted to router 15 and in response the routergenerates new completely restricted virtual network (e.g., virtualnetwork 19) using the unique identifier as a non-broadcasting SSID andonly allowing internet access based on the retrieved firewall rule.Router 15 transmits an authentication request to a notification service(e.g., authorization and notification service 8) that transmits theauthentication request to a smartphone (i.e., user device 21). Inresponse, user 17 inputs (into the smartphone) an authentication key(e.g. PIN) thereby validating that the wireless connection device isauthorized to connect to router 15 based on the firewall rule. At alater time period, batteries are installed into the wireless connectiondevice and the wireless connection device is enabled. In response, thewireless connection device attempts to connect router 15 using thepreviously generated unique identifier as the SSID and the pre-sharedkey as authentication. Router authenticates the wireless connectiondevice using the pre-shared key and allows it on the restricted virtualnetwork 19. In response, the wireless connection device receivesinstructions from network 7 and initiates intended functions.Additionally, user 17 may remotely (e.g., via a computer) enablefunctions of the wireless connection device.

The following implementation example illustrates a connection process(enabled by system 100) for automatically connecting a tablet computer(e.g., wireless connection device 11) in an airport to a router (e.g.,router 15) via private virtual network (e.g., virtual network 19). Inthis example, a traveler (e.g., 17) in an airport approaches a WIFIaccess scanning station (e.g., data retrieval device 22 and/or userdevice 21) and places the tablet computer adjacent to the scanningstation. In response, the scanning station scans a scannable tag (e.g.,tag 25) integrated with the tablet computer. The scannable tag comprisesan SSID and a NIC MAC address for the tablet computer. The scanningstation instructs the WIFI router to generate a new private virtualnetwork using the tablet computer's SSID. Access to the new privatevirtual network is restricted to the tablet computer's MAC address. Thetablet computer is automatically connected to the private virtualnetwork. When the traveler boards an airplane and moves out of rangefrom the WIFI router, the WIFI router detects disconnect or timeout andflushes virtual network from the system. The disconnect or timeout isdetected by the tablet computer and a new SSID is generated. The newSSID overwrites existing SSID (on the scannable tag) for next usage ofthe tablet computer.

FIG. 2 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 enabling an authorization service to provide anautomatic connection of a wireless connection device to a wirelessrouter, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Each ofthe steps in the algorithm of FIG. 2 may be enabled and executed in anyorder by a computer processor executing computer code. In step 200, ascannable tag integrated with a wireless connection device is scanned(by a data retrieval device) for data. In step 202, unique data isretrieved from the tag. The unique data comprises an identifierassociated with the wireless connection device. Additionally, the dataretrieval device may retrieve additional data from the scannable tag.The additional data may include, inter alia, product informationassociated with the wireless connection device, a pre-shared key, afirewall rule(s), etc. In step 204, the unique data and/or theadditional data is transmitted to a wireless router. In step 208, thewireless router transmits (in response to step 204) an authorizationnotification and a configuration request for a configuration change toan authorization service. In step 212, the data retrieval devicereceives (from the authorization service) and presents (to a user) anauthorization request. In step 214, the data retrieval device receives(in response to the authorization request) an authorization cade fromthe user. In step 218, the authorization code is transmitted to theauthorization service. In step 220, the authorization service transmits(to the wireless router) an authorization approval notice based on theauthorization code. In step 224, the wireless router generates (inresponse to the authorization approval notice) a private virtual networkcomprising a virtual SSID and preconfigured firewall rules based on theunique data and/or the additional data. The private virtual networkcomprising the virtual SSID and the preconfigured firewall rules is onlyassociated with the wireless router and the wireless connection device.In step 228, wireless connection device is automatically connected tothe wireless router based on the virtual SSID and the preconfiguredfirewall rules. In step 232, the wireless connection device isdisconnected from the wireless router and it is determined that thewireless communication device comprises a transient device. In step 234,the wireless router deletes the private virtual network (including thevirtual SSID and the preconfigured firewall rules and step 200 isrepeated. Additionally, the wireless connection device may generate anupdated virtual network comprising an updated virtual SSID and updatedpreconfigured firewall rules. The updated virtual network differs fromthe original virtual network. In response, the original unique data maybe removed from the scannable tag and the updated virtual SSID andupdated preconfigured firewall rules may be placed on the scannable tagfor future connection usage.

FIG. 3 illustrates an algorithm detailing a process flow enabled bysystem 100 of FIG. 1 enabling a data retrieval device to provide anautomatic connection of a wireless connection device to a wirelessrouter, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Each ofthe steps in the algorithm of FIG. 3 may be enabled and executed in anyorder by a computer processor executing computer code. In step 300, ascannable tag integrated with a wireless connection device is scanned(by a data retrieval device) for data. In step 302, unique data isretrieved from the tag. The unique data comprises an identifierassociated with the wireless connection device. Additionally, the dataretrieval device may retrieve additional data from the scannable tag.The additional data may include, inter alia, product informationassociated with the wireless connection device, a pre-shared key, afirewall rule(s), etc. In step 304, the unique data and/or theadditional data is transmitted to a wireless router. In step 308, it isdetermined that the data retrieval device is authorized to provide aconnection authorization for connection to the wireless router. In step312, the wireless router generates (in response to the connectionauthorization of step 308) a private virtual network comprising avirtual SSID and preconfigured firewall rules based on the unique dataand/or the additional data. The private virtual network comprising thevirtual SSID and the preconfigured firewall rules is only associatedwith the wireless router and the wireless connection device. In step314, wireless connection device is automatically connected to thewireless router based on the virtual SSID and the preconfigured firewallrules. In step 318, the wireless connection device is disconnected fromthe wireless router and it is determined that the wireless communicationdevice comprises a transient device. In step 320, the wireless routerdeletes the private virtual network (including the virtual SSID and thepreconfigured firewall rules and step 300 is repeated. Additionally, thewireless connection device may generate an updated virtual networkcomprising an updated virtual SSID and updated preconfigured firewallrules. The updated virtual network differs from the original virtualnetwork. In response, the original unique data may be removed from thescannable tag and the updated virtual SSID and updated preconfiguredfirewall rules may be placed on the scannable tag for future connectionusage.

FIG. 4 illustrates a computer apparatus 90 (e.g., any of the devices ofFIG. 1) for enabling an automatic configuration and connection of awireless connection device to a wireless router, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. The computer system 90 includes aprocessor 91, an input device 92 coupled to the processor 91, an outputdevice 93 coupled to the processor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95 eachcoupled to the processor 91. The input device 92 may be, inter alia, akeyboard, a mouse, a camera, a touchscreen, etc. The output device 93may be, inter alia, a printer, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetictape, a removable hard disk, a floppy disk, etc. The memory devices 94and 95 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape,an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc(DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM),etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithms of FIGS. 2 and 3) forenabling an automatic configuration and connection of a wirelessconnection device to a wireless router. The processor 91 executes thecomputer code 97. The memory device 94 includes input data 96. The inputdata 96 includes input required by the computer code 97. The outputdevice 93 displays output from the computer code 97. Either or bothmemory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more additional memory devices notshown in FIG. 4) may include the algorithm of FIGS. 2 and 3 and may beused as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable medium or aprogram storage device) having a computer readable program code embodiedtherein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein the computerreadable program code includes the computer code 97. Generally, acomputer program product (or, alternatively, an article of manufacture)of the computer system 90 may include the computer usable medium (or theprogram storage device).

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could becreated, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced,etc. by a service supplier who offers to enable an automaticconfiguration and connection of a wireless connection device to awireless router. Thus the present invention discloses a process fordeploying, creating, integrating, hosting, maintaining, and/orintegrating computing infrastructure, including integratingcomputer-readable code into the computer system 90, wherein the code incombination with the computer system 90 is capable of performing amethod for enabling an automatic configuration and connection of awireless connection device to a wireless router. In another embodiment,the invention provides a business method that performs the process stepsof the invention on a subscription, advertising, and/or fee basis. Thatis, a service supplier, such as a Solution Integrator, could offer toenable an automatic configuration and connection of a wirelessconnection device to a wireless router. In this case, the servicesupplier can create, maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructurethat performs the process steps of the invention for one or morecustomers. In return, the service supplier can receive payment from thecustomer(s) under a subscription and/or fee agreement and/or the servicesupplier can receive payment from the sale of advertising content to oneor more third parties.

While FIG. 4 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configurationof hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, aswould be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilizedfor the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particularcomputer system 90 of FIG. 4. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memorydevices.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claimsare intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: retrieving from a wirelessdevice, by a computer processor of a data retrieval device, unique datacomprising an identifier identifying said wireless device; transmitting,by said computer processor, said unique data to a wireless router,wherein said wireless router transmits an authorization notification anda configuration request for a configuration change to an authorizationservice; receiving from said authorization service, by said computerprocessor, an authorization request; presenting, by said computerprocessor, said authorization request to a user; receiving, by saidcomputer processor in response to said authorization request, anauthorization code from said user; and transmitting, by said computerprocessor to said authorization service, said authorization code,wherein said authorization service transmits an authorization approval,based on said authorization code, to said wireless router, wherein saidwireless router generates a virtual SSID and preconfigured firewallrules based on said unique data, wherein said virtual SSID and saidpreconfigured firewall rules are configured for use with only saidwireless router and said wireless device, and wherein said wirelessdevice is automatically connected to said wireless router based on saidvirtual SSID and said preconfigured firewall rules.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said wireless device is disconnected from said wirelessrouter, wherein it is determined that said wireless communication devicecomprises a transient device, and wherein said wireless router deletessaid virtual SSID and said preconfigured firewall rules.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein said wireless router generates a virtual wirelessnetwork comprising said virtual SSID and preconfigured firewall rules.4. The method of claim 1, wherein said unique data is located on arewritable/scannable tag integrated with said wireless device, whereinsaid wireless device is disconnected from said wireless router, whereinsaid wireless device generates an updated virtual SSID and updatedpreconfigured firewall rules differing from said virtual SSID and saidpreconfigured firewall rules, wherein said unique data is removed fromsaid rewritable/scannable tag, and wherein said updated virtual SSID andupdated preconfigured firewall rules are placed on saidrewritable/scannable tag.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said uniquedata comprises product information describing said wireless device. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein said unique data comprises data selectedform the group consisting of RFID tag data, encoded barcode data, andquick response code (QR) data.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein saiddata retrieval device comprises a device selected from the groupconsisting of a barcode reader, an RFID reader, quick response code (QR)reader, and a smart phone.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:providing at least one support service for at least one of creating,integrating, hosting, maintaining, and deploying computer-readable codein the computing system, said code being executed by the computerprocessor to implement said retrieving, said transmitting said uniquedata, said receiving said authorization request, said presenting, saidreceiving said authorization code, and said transmitting saidauthorization code.
 9. A method comprising: retrieving from arewritable/scannable tag integrated with a wireless device, by acomputer processor of a data retrieval device, unique data comprising anidentifier associated with said wireless device; transmitting, by saidcomputer processor, an authorization request to a wireless router;transmitting, by said computer processor, said unique data to a wirelessrouter, wherein said wireless router determines that said wirelessdevice is authorized for connection to said wireless router based onsaid authorization request and said unique data; transmitting, by saidcomputer processor to said wireless router, a connection command,wherein said wireless router generates a virtual wireless networkcomprising a virtual SSID and preconfigured firewall rules based on saidunique data and in response to said connection command, wherein saidvirtual wireless network, said virtual SSID, and said preconfiguredfirewall rules are only configured for use with said wireless router andsaid wireless device, and wherein said wireless device is automaticallyconnected to said wireless router via said virtual wireless networkbased on said virtual SSID and said preconfigured firewall rules. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein said wireless device is disconnected fromsaid wireless router, wherein it is determined that said wirelesscommunication device comprises a transient device, and wherein saidwireless router deletes said virtual SSID and said preconfiguredfirewall rules.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein said unique datacomprises product information associated with said wireless device. 12.The method of claim 9, wherein said unique data comprises data selectedform the group consisting of RFID tag data, encoded barcode data, andquick response code (QR) data.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein saiddata retrieval device comprises a device selected from the groupconsisting of a barcode reader, an RFID reader, quick response code (QR)reader, and a smart phone.
 14. A computer program product forconfiguring a connection, the computer program product comprising: oneor more computer-readable, tangible storage devices; programinstructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices,to retrieve by a computer processor of a data retrieval device, uniquedata comprising an identifier associated with a wireless device; programinstructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices,to transmit said unique data to a wireless router, wherein said wirelessrouter transmits an authorization notification and a configurationrequest for a configuration change to an authorization service; programinstructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices,to receive, an authorization request from said authorization service;program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storagedevices, to present said authorization request to a user; programinstructions, stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices,to receive an authorization code from said user in response to saidauthorization request; and program instructions, stored on at least oneof the one or more storage devices, to transmit said authorization codeto said authorization service, wherein said authorization servicetransmits an authorization approval, based on said authorization code,to said wireless router, wherein said wireless router generates avirtual SSID and preconfigured firewall rules based on said unique data,wherein said virtual SSID and said preconfigured firewall rules areconfigured for use with only said wireless router and said wirelessdevice, and wherein said wireless device is automatically connected tosaid wireless router based on said virtual SSID and said preconfiguredfirewall rules.
 15. The computer program product of claim 14, whereinsaid wireless device is disconnected from said wireless router, whereinit is determined that said wireless communication device comprises atransient device, and wherein said wireless router deletes said virtualSSID and said preconfigured firewall rules.
 16. The computer programproduct of claim 14, wherein said wireless router generates a virtualwireless network comprising said virtual SSID and preconfigured firewallrules.
 17. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein said uniquedata is located on a rewritable/scannable tag integrated with saidwireless device, wherein said wireless device is disconnected from saidwireless router, wherein said wireless device generates an updatedvirtual SSID and updated preconfigured firewall rules differing fromsaid virtual SSID and said preconfigured firewall rules, wherein saidunique data is removed from said rewritable/scannable tag, and whereinsaid updated virtual SSID and updated preconfigured firewall rules areplaced on said rewritable/scannable tag.
 18. The computer programproduct of claim 14, wherein said unique data comprises productinformation describing said wireless device.
 19. The computer programproduct of claim 14, wherein said unique data comprises data selectedform the group consisting of RFID tag data, encoded barcode data, andquick response code (QR) data.
 20. The computer program product of claim14, wherein said data retrieval device comprises a device selected fromthe group consisting of a barcode reader, an RFID reader, quick responsecode (QR) reader, and a smart phone.